Page 61 of Death at a Scottish Halloween

“Yes, but the rumor is he was scared to death,” Mara said.

I rolled my eyes. “You did not hear that from me,” I said.

“No. I think it was Lulu. She was in here for breakfast with her friends. One of them has a nephew who works on Ewan’s team.” Her eyes went wide. “Do not tell him. That poor guy could lose his job.”

“The secret is safe with me,” I said.

“Well, friends, it was a fun day, but I have to get to bed,” Jasper yawned. “I have an early morning. Walk you, home, Em?”

“Yes. Thank you both again for today. It was fun having you with me.”

“It was just as fun for us,” Mara said. “This case is so curious.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

An hour after Jasper walked me home, I straightened my desk. If I left it a mess, Abigail would do it for me the next morning. I wanted to save her the trouble. I’d made notes on my appointments for the next day, and I was feeling very accomplished.

I headed to the kitchen for a snack, when I heard a noise out back. The kitchen looked out onto a cemetery that was several hundred years old when this building had been a church. This time of year, I’d discovered it was a popular hangout for kids and teens. They liked to scare one another.

It took me a while to become used to the view so close to home.

At least the neighbors are quiet. I made that joke often when I felt shivers down my spine. This house was old and made a great deal of noise, especially when it was windy. Since we were by the sea, that happened a great deal.

There was a strange sound I couldn’t define. I turned off the kitchen light and stared out into the inky darkness. If the kids had walked by the security light, it should have come on.

A familiar shiver went down my spine. I never ignored that feeling. I ran back to my office and grabbed my pepper sprayfrom my purse. Then I called Ewan. I’d learned my lesson about heading into danger. I needed back up.

“I’m on my way to yours,” he said.

“There’s someone in the back in the cemetery. I thought it was kids, but they’ve avoided the security lights.”

“I’m five minutes out. Stay on the line with me.”

“No problem,” I whispered.

“Do not open the back door, but do you see anyone?”

“No.” There was a flash of light. “Wait, someone has a flashlight. They are going to the backdoor.”

He grunted. “Almost there.”

“I thought you said five minutes,” I whispered.

“I’m moving fast. Get into the autopsy room and stay there. They won’t be able to get in.”

My throat had gone dry. The back door was right across from the autopsy room.

I did what he said. As I passed the back door, the handle turned.

“I’ve called the police,” I yelled. “They’ll be here in seconds.”

The doorknob continued to turn. “If you’re after the ring, it’s at the station. I don’t have any of their belongings.”

The knob popped back into place. I was desperate to see who it might be, but I didn’t dare open the door.

“If you want to run into the Constable, please feel free to stay. I’d very much like to know who you are.”

There were footsteps, and it sounded like they were running away.